The Start Of Something Good. - Sam x Cliff (with Rick making an appearance!)
THIS post got the notes I asked for so...
@yesbelladoesstuff @robert-de-niro-only-fans - the two who are MOST to blame for this... mess π
A/N: Sam meets Cliff and Rick for the first time on the set of Bounty Law in 1958 (year may be changed!). Cliff is fond of her, but Rick isn't so sure about this seemingly non-caring woman.
TW: Just some bros before they become bros. Also, not checked through much so excuse any errors!
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Sam had been in disbelief when the call came from her agent; excitedly he had rambled about this proposition and, once she was able to calm him down, that she'd be solidified further into the American home by appearing on Bounty Law. The best part? She was still playing Joan Yates, this empowering, entertaining character.
Truth be told, even as she clambered out of her sparkling '57 Chevy, she still couldn't believe that it was legitimate. Even as she was greeted by the director and his team of runners, she still couldn't believe it was legitimate. Even as she was led to wardrobe and given her outfit, then led to her trailer to change, she couldn't believe it was legitimate.
[[MORE]]
Her corset was a little tighter than she was used to, but Sam didn't mind. She gazed at herself in the mirror, a sense of insecurity flowing through her veins, before a knock sounded on her door.
With a deep inhale, she graced the outside world.
"You're looking gorgeous already, Sam," He beamed brightly, admiring her for a moment. "When you finish up in makeup, please do me a favour and seek out Rick. Your co-star. I'm sure you already know. He's been dying to meet you."
"He has?" She blinked before nodding, "I will do, alright? Thank you."
Makeup was the same usual bore. It seemed that it never became more or less exciting, even with this new and very profitable situation at hand. Ever polite, she thanked the makeup artist and exited the trailer.
Perusing through the western town set, Sam made mental notes about the saloon, the hotel, the brothel, and the theatre (key locations that'd make getting around easier). All the while, her eyes scanned for Rick Dalton, finally landing on the man by the general store.
Sam came to a stop at the end of the dirt road, digging into her pocket for her pack of Red Apples. She placed one between her lips, igniting the tip and drawing a deep drag before her steps resumed, this time with much more certainty.
As she neared, she saw that Rick was talking to someone. The man was taller, in wardrobe identical to Rick's, and was easily identified as the stunt double. A stunt double? That put her at ease somewhat, ever comfortable around other stuntmen.
"I think Joan's here," The stuntman said quietly to Rick, whom promptly turned and offered a smile in greeting.
"Samantha Callahan, right?" He extended a hand her way.
"Sam is perfectly fine. Rick Dalton, I assume? It's a pleasure, really," She accepted his hand, and Rick gave it a gentle shake. Once he let go, she looked to his friend, "And who's this charming guy?"
"Cliff Booth," Cliff introduced, smile warm on his lips as his blue eyes took her in in her entirety. He extended his hand as well, taking her firm grasp as a sign that he didn't intimidate her.
Considering that Cliff was aware of his intimidation factor, this assurance made his smile grow a little more into a smirk. That would make Rick's life much, much easier.
"I'm Rick's stunt double."
"I thought so," Sam replied, retracting her hand from his, "Congratulations on landing such a fine job."
"I should be saying the same to you," Cliff mused, silently relishing in her soft chuckle and flushed cheeks.
"On that topic, actually," Sam diverted the conversation, looking to Rick once more, "I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity. I appreciate it a lot."
"Don't mention it! When they suggested you, Cliff and I could hardly believe it," The actor explained, Cliff nodding in agreement from behind him.
"You're just saying that. I'm nothing compared to Bounty Law."
"That's not true," Cliff disagreed, leaning down ever so slightly before he continued, "Western Lies is a hidden masterpiece. At least, that's what I think."
"You're a sweetheart, Cliff, thank you."
Did Cliff's stomach lightly flip at her words? Most definitely. He swallowed it down with a smile, "You're welcome."
"I'm sure you'll do great," Rick stated, if only to carry the conversation beyond that point. "I'm happy to have you with us. Let's go for a single take, huh?"
They shared a laugh at that, as if the motion of a single try making it in was impossible.
"I'll definitely try not to-"
"-there you are Sam!" A voice interrupted them, and a man in a black button up approached. It was the stunt coordinator, and someone who offered Cliff a grin, "Hey there, Cliff."
"Hi, Mason."
"Sam, I was told about what you wanted, and I've found a way for you to do one. It's a simple falling from a horse, and we can save it for the end of shooting. That's if you still want to go, of course."
"Wait, sorry, uh, what's happening?" Rick inquired, much to the surprise of Mason.
"Sam is doing a stunt. Did you not tell them?" When he was met with no reply, he settled his gaze onto Rick, "She's a registered stunt double, Rick. You're co-stars with not only a gorgeous actress, but a talented stunt double."
"Really?" Cliff asked with a voice full of amusement and concealed excitement. He looked to her, setting a much more curious stare upon her now. He once more looked her up and down, as subtle (or not so subtle) as he dared to go.
"Is that safe? I mean, for production?" Rick was concerned, primarily for the show. However selfish that was didn't bother him.
"It'll be at the end, so if injury occurs, it won't be too much of an issue," Mason assured, placing a hand upon Sam's shoulder, "Can we talk about it for a few minutes?"
Sam tensed as his hand connected, a look being sent to his hand before she nodded, stepping away in order to not be touched anymore, "I'll see you on set, Rick. And you too, Cliff."
"Yeah," Rick nodded, watching as the two walked. Once they were far enough away, he looked to his friend, "Wow, right?"
"She's even more beautiful in person," Cliff observed, referencing mainly her line of pinups both himself and Rick had accumulated.
"Come on now, Cliff. She's not sensible at all."
"I think you're just jealous," The stuntman watched as Rick rolled his eyes, the young star anything but confident. "Are we done remembering lines and ready to eat before it's too late?"
"Yeah. Yeah, we are," Rick nodded, turning and walking shoulder to shoulder with Cliff down the dirt road.
